What an Ireland win or draw means for Six Nations title race

An Ireland bonus point win over Scotland would put the pressure on France.

The Six Nations finale has arrived and the title will go down to the final match in Paris where France host England.

Before that Ireland and Scotland are doing their best to apply some pressure to the French, with both sides still in with a shot of the title ahead of kick off.

It promises to be a tight encounter in Dublin, with neither side wanting a draw. That said, a draw could still be enough for one of them. Heading into Super Saturday, Scotland were level with France on 16 points, with the Irish two behind on 14.

So, if Scotland were to draw and score four tries or more that would take them to 19 points, meaning if France were to draw without a bonus point, the Scots would be crowned champions. Similarly, if Scotland were to draw without a bonus point they could win the Six Nations if France were to lose without claiming two bonus points.

Ireland’s situation is more simple. A bonus point win would put them three points ahead of France.

Andy Farrell’s side cannot win the title without England getting a result in Paris. If France win, that is their title hopes gone.

But if England win, a bonus-point victory would be enough. A win without a bonus point could also work if France lose, if they were able to overcome the points difference of 63. Ideally Ireland want France to lose and fail to get two losing bonus points.

A draw for France could also see Ireland crowned champions. But that would require them winning at home with more bonus points than France, or producing that hefty points swing.